The term ‘Kal Baisakhi’, also known as Nor'westers has been coined for the violent thunderstorms that occur in the Indo Gangetic plains.
Kal Baisakhi originates from Bihar and Jharkhand, moves eastwards and strikes West Bengal and Odisha. These are extremely severe in nature and takes Chhattisgarh under its purview as well. Though they are normally seen over the Chota Nagpur plateau.
These localized events are a common occurrence during the months of April and May. However, few events of Kal Baisakhi in March too cannot be ruled out.
During this season, the plateau heats up and the temperature of the plateau reaches the above normal levels. Further, the southeasterly moist winds also blow in and these moisture-laden winds allow the development of thunderclouds and activate over these regions resulting in torrential rains.
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These Nor'westers are generally associated with thunderstorms escorted by strong squally winds and heavy rainfall.
As per Skymet Weather, the cyclonic circulation over Gangetic West Bengal presently lies over Jharkhand, West Bengal and adjoining Bihar. Moreover, moisture incursion from the Bay of Bengal is also taking place.
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In the wake of this, many parts of Gangetic West Bengal like Purulia, Bankura, Bardhhaman, Birbhoom are likely to get affected with squally winds, rains, and lightning at some parts. Heavy rains in pockets are also expected.
Adjacent regions like Kolkata, Midnapore, Howrah, Hugli Murshidabad, Malda are also likely to receive rain and thundershowers accompanied by moderate gusty winds anytime soon.
In Jharkhand also, the affected areas include Jamshedpur, Dhanbad, Deogarh, Ranchi, and Daltonganj. Jharsuguda, Sambalpur, Keonjhargarh, Mayurbhanj, Balasore, Angul in Odisha also gets affected by Kal Baisakhi.
Some parts of Bhadrak, Bhubaneswar, Puri, Koraput may also receive rain and thundershowers. The activity is likely to continue for 24 hours and would reduce thereafter over parts of West Bengal. However, Bihar and Jharkhand would continue with the same for the next 48 hours also.
Kal Baisakhi brings destruction in terms of lightning, thunderstorm, hailstorm and torrential rainfall over the eastern states of the country. However, it is extremely helpful for the pre-Kharif crops like jute, paddy and many vegetables and fruits.
Image Credit: Indiana Public Media
Any information taken from here should be credited to skymetweather.com